Linear measure or scale



0a. 27, 1925- 1,558,879 7 F. H. HOARE LINEAR umsuns on scum Filed March 12. 1924 length of the sliding strip is two feet, which is graduated in inches as shown reading from the abutment end inwards, the graduations preferably being marked 112, 112 to facilitate calculations in feet. The guidemember 11 is formed with a projecting nosepiece 13, the edge 14. of which forms a fixed index against which the graduations on the sliding scale can be read and this nose-piece is such that when the rule is closed the index reads against the zero of the scale. It Will be seen, therefore. that when the rule is extended the gap between the jaws formed by the inner face of the abutment and the end of the body-portion will be equal to the distance between the free end of the sliding strip and the edge 14 of the nose-piece which forms the fixed index and thus any measurement read on the aforesaid graduated scale against the index is a true indication of the amount of extension of the scale and also of the distance betwen the aforesaid jaws.

The end of the body-portion 5 remote from the index is provided with a metal socket-piece 15 which is adapted to receive the n'ietal-faced end 16 of the extension unit 17 shown in Figure 2. The extension unit in the example shown measures two feet from the shoulder 18 to the end of the socketpieee 19 so that when fitted to the bodyportion 5 the effective length of the rule is increased by a definite known amount, viz, two feet. Other extension units of one foot each or multiples thereof may be provided, each being fitted with socket-connections so that the eiiective length of the rule may be increased as desired according to the purpose for which it is required.

it will be understood that the measurements given herein are by way of example only and that the 11110 and extension pieces may he of any convenient length desired and "hat the scale may be graduated in units other than inches. The extension units may be stamped with their length and any other connecting means may be employed instead of the socket-connections described. Thus the extension-pieces may be hinged to the body-portion and arranged to be folded thereon.

Referring now to Figures l(3, which illustrate a modified construction of rule according to this invention and of an overall length when c.-.osed of say six inches, the body-portion 5 is hollow and the extension units 17 are arranged to telescope therein. The arrangement of the sliding strip 6 with the guide members 7 and 11 and clamping screw 9 is substantially the same as that already described with reference to Figure 1. The abutment 12 is formed by a metal piece secured to the end of the strip 6 and the edge i4:i'-o1is'liit1ii;iiig the fixedindex reads against the zero of the scale when the rule is .closed as shown in Figure 1. Each extension unit is constituted by a metal tube and is pr"o vided with a fixed pin 20, see Figure 6, which engages a slot 21 in the surrounding tube, the pin of the first unit engaging a slot in the wall of the cavity in the body-portion, and each slot has a portion 22 at right angles thereto with which the pin of the neighbourmg tube is adapted to engage when the units are extended by giving the same a quarter twist. In the example illustrated each extension unit is arranged to give an extension of five inches.

Secured to the free end of each unit is a square metal plate 23 an edge of which is arranged to lie in the same plane as that of the wall of the body-portion as shown so that when the units are extended the rule lies flat on a surface and enables measurements to 1e taken with ease and accuracy. Recesses 2st in the end-plates and body-portion enable the extension units to be readily withdrawn.

I n the modification illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 an additional slide 25 is provided on the main slide (5. This slide may be of steel and is preferably let into a recess 26, which may be undercut as shown, on the underside of the slide 6 and is provided at its inner end with a stop 27 which is arranged to run in a groove 28 in the body-portion 5. The stop 2? is adapted to engage the abutment 12 and prevents withdrawal of the slide beyond that point. A notch or projection 29 on the outer end or other convenient part, such as on the underside, of the slide 25 enables the latter to be drawn out when desired. The slide may be of any convenient length, say, half the length of the main slide, and may he graduated in any desired units, be-

ing arranged to read from the outer end in-.

wards and adapted to close flush with the end of the main slide.

The rules herein described may be made of any desired material and shape and of any convenient length. The body portion may be made in the form of a walkingstiek in which case the sliding portion may be a segment thereof slidably connected therewith or it may be in the form of a rod or tube arranged to telescope within the stick, the ferrule of the stick constituting the abutment. Extension pieces may be provided to fit on the other end of the stick or they may be arranged to telescope therein as hereinbefore described. I am aware that it has been proposed to provide a horse measure in the form of a walking-stick in which a slide piece comprising a graduated measure and a. part hinged thereto and arranged to be fixed at right angles thereto, is arranged to be withdrawn from the handle end of the stick and I make no claim to such an arrangement.

It will be seen that the device according in combination a hollow main body portion, a telescopic extension adapted to form a continuation from one end of said body portion, said extension unit being adapted to telescope within said hollow body portion, a member slidably secured to said body portion to be extensible from the other end thereof in the direction of its length and having a linear scale thereon reading from the outer end inwards, and an index secured to said. body portion and arranged to read against the zero of the said scale when the member is in its retracted position.

7. A linear measure or scale comprising in combination a hollow main body portion, a plurality of telescopic extension units adapted to form a continuation from one end of said body portion, said extension units having bayonet joint connections one with the other and being adapted to telescope within said hollow body portion, a member slidably secured to said body portion to be extensible from the other end thereof in the direction of its length and having a linear scale thereon reading from the outer end inwards, an abutment on the free end of said member, and an index secured to said body portion and arranged to read against the Zero of the said scale when the said member is in its retracted position.

8. A linear measure or scale comprising in combination a hollow main body portion, a plurality of telescopic extension units adapted to form a continuation from one end of said body portion, said extension units having bayonet joint connections one with the other and being adapted to telescope within said hollow body portion, a

member slidably secured to said body portion to be extensible from the other end thereof in the direction of its length and having a linear scale thereon reading from the outer end inwards, an abutment on the free end of said member, a fixed index secured to said body portion and arranged to read against the zero of the said scale when the said member is in its retracted position, and an end piece on each extension unit whereof one edge lies in the same plane as that of a side wall of the main body portion when the said extension units are twisted to lock them in their extended positions.

5). A linear measure or scale comprising in combination a main body portion, a plurality of extension units adapted to form a continuation from one end of said body portion, a member slidably secured to said body portion, and extensible from the other end thereof in the direction of its length and having a linear scale thereon reading from the outer end as the zero point of the scale inwards, an abutment on the free end of said sliding member adapted to form a continuation of said body portion, an index 'fixed to said body portion and arranged to project beyond the end thereof by an amount equal to the width of the abutment to register with the zero of said scale and a clamping screw on said sliding member adapted to engage a yielding metal strip to lock the said sliding member in any desired position of adjustment relative to said body portion.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

FREDERICK HENRY HOARE. 

